Abia State Takes Proactive Steps to Prevent Flood Disaster – Governor Otti

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has affirmed that his administration is actively implementing strategic measures aimed at minimizing the impact of possible flooding within the state.

During a stakeholders’ forum hosted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Umuahia, the Governor—represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna—emphasized that the government is focusing on critical infrastructure such as road construction, drainage systems, clearing of blocked waterways, and erosion management to address the risk of flooding across Abia.

Ogbonna underscored the importance of delivering early warning alerts to the public, noting that effective communication is key to reducing the destructive outcomes of seasonal floods.

He encouraged participants at the forum to disseminate the knowledge and information shared at the meeting to communities at the grassroots level. According to him, the gathering was timely, considering the recent flood forecasts issued by relevant Federal Government agencies.

He also stated that the forum would help enhance the preparedness and resilience of citizens should any flooding event occur in the coming season.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, represented by Director Mr. Walter Brandon, disclosed that the agency has introduced various disaster preparedness strategies. These include training programs for local emergency responders and the promotion of rainwater harvesting systems as part of a broader mitigation plan.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of Abia SEMA, Sunny Jackson, reiterated that the purpose of the meeting was to formulate action plans to reduce the anticipated effects of potential flooding as previously projected.